Second international Palestinian marathon takes place in Bethlehem. Over 3,000 runners from 39 countries try to finish 26-mile course

Ynetnews|Published: 11.04.14 , 21:40

For a second year in a row, runners from around the globe particiapted in the second annual Palestine Marathon, held under the banner the 'Right to Movement' this Friday in Bethlehem.

Some 3,000 runners made their way around the West Bank separation fence, passing checkpoints to complete the 42-kilometer (26 miles) course, Palestinian news agency Ma'an reported.

Bethlehem marathon (Photo: AP)

Israel claimed that the Palestinian Authority is trying to taint the sporting event with a political undertone, and indeed the event's theme seems to attempt to highlight Israeli restrictions on movement of Palestinians in the West Bank.

Running along West Bank separation fence (Photo: EPA)

Photo: EPA

Organizers said around 2,500 participants hailed from across the Palestinian territories, while around 700 came from 39 different countries. Besides Palestinians, Denmark, the US, and the UK were the countries most represented in the race.